The rumored feud between “Dreamgirls” stars Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson prevailed for years, with many believing the two were still at loggerheads over a decade later.
Beyoncé Knowles and Jennifer Hudson starred as close friends-turned-superstars in the musical drama, “Dreamgirls” in 2006. However, many believe their real-life characters were anything but friends.
The theory arose from speculations that the duo never got along on the set while filming the movie due to certain unresolved differences. Whether or not the rumors held some truth, the stars are in the best position to set the record straight.
ORIGIN OF THE RUMORED DISCORD
Hudson and Beyoncé played Effie White and Deena Jones respectively in the 2006 film. Their characters were part of a three-member female singing group who rose to fame after the intervention of manager Curtis Taylor, played by Jamie Foxx.
Following the musical’s release, several theories about a discord flooded the media. Many suggested Hudson and Anika Noni Rose, who played the third group member, nurtured ill feelings against Beyoncé.
Their belief that the production team dealt Beyoncé preferential treatment on-set allegedly led to their outrage and eventual fallout.
ANOTHER THEORY
Others named Beyoncé as the jealous party, implying she wanted Hudson’s role as Effie, the star character, at all cost.
She had nothing to prove since she was already a star
Having to play Deena Jones instead made the songstress jealous of her co-star. The jealousy soon seeped into their working relationship, resulting in their inability to get along during shooting.
BEYONCE CLEARS THE AIR
These speculations flooded the tabloids for months after the film’s premiere, prompting Beyoncé to step forward and clear the air. During an interview in 2006, she said:
“It’s really unfortunate that everyone is saying I’m jealous of Jennifer. It hurts my heart because it’s so cliched.”
She went on to admit knowing before taking the role that she would play Deena, who was not the star character. And she was okay with it because she had nothing to prove since she was already a star.
THEIR RELATIONSHIP NOW
Beyoncé is not the only one who believes the rumors of a dispute between them were absurd. In 2016, Jennifer Hudson granted an interview where she opened up about her role in “Dreamgirls.”
The star also shared details about her relationship with the hip-hop queen. Hudson pointed out that their friendship prospered on and off the screen despite the rumors.
Additionally, she revealed she and Beyoncé kept in touch even after the film and maintained a good relationship without drama.
With the pair reaffirming their decade-long friendship, it is ideal to conclude that perhaps, the earlier allegations of a feud were simply misplaced rumors.